Apple will allow application stores other than its own on the iOS operating system in Brazil to resolve a three-year-old case with the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade), the two parties announced on Tuesday.
Cade formed a majority to accept the deal proposed by Apple, the authority said in a statement.
In addition to app stores, the deal also requires Apple to allow third-party payment processing methods for in-app purchases in addition to its own, or links to external websites for transactions.
Apple said in a statement that it would make necessary changes to comply with Cade’s requirements, but “these actions would result in privacy and security risks” for users.
The investigation began after a complaint filed in 2022 by Mercado Livre regarding Apple’s restrictions on digital product distribution and in-app purchases.
Cade then issued preventive measures against Apple in 2024, and earlier this year its technical body recommended a decision against the North American company.
Mercado Livre said it recognized Cade’s efforts, but added that the agreement “only partially addresses the need for more balanced rules.”
The agreement between Cade and Apple will last for three years, from when the new terms become mandatory for app developers, the regulator said. Apple has 105 days to make the accepted changes, the antitrust body added.
Apple is “subject to a payment of up to 150 million reais for violating the agreement,” Cade said, noting that Apple also agreed to end a legal complaint it filed against the 2024 preventive measures.
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